The poinsettia plant has long been synonymous with Christmas. Here in Mexico, these colorful red flowers grow on small trees. When I taught in Tlaquepaque years ago, one of these beautiful trees was actually growing out in the courtyard of the school. While the traditional color is red, there are many other colors now available.

In Mexico, the Aztecs used these plants for dye and medicine. Franciscan monks then used them in nativity scenes. The star shape symbolizes the Star of Bethlehem, while the red color symbolizes the blood of Christ.

Although native to Mexico, this plant was named after Joel Poinsett, the first U.S. Ambassador to Mexico. Back in the 1800s, he gave many of these colorful plants as Christmas gifts to family and friends. And poinsettias have increased in popularity over the years.

Nochebuena in Mexico is also the term used for Christmas Eve. This is the time of the big celebration, when families gather together to attend a mass at church and enjoy sumptuous dinners. This differs greatly from Christmas Day celebrations in the rest of North America.

I wish all my readers a holiday season filled with love, peace, hope and joy.

Merry Christmas!